The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to make drivers aware of the importance of paying attention and following traffic law when driving.

Although Missouri has experienced a decrease in fatalities over the last six years, the first six months of 2012 have been deadly. When comparing early last year to the same time period this year, as of the date of this release, Missouri has experienced an increase of 62 traffic crash fatalities. Traffic crash reports indicate over two-thirds of those fatalities involved people who were not wearing a seat belt. A common theme of the contributing circumstances is failure to remain in the proper lane, which includes crossing over the center line and running off the right side of the road.

Missouri law requires that when driving upon all public roads or highways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway. It also states that every person operating a motor vehicle on the roads and highways of Missouri is to drive in a careful and prudent manner. That same statute specifically states that drivers, “shall drive at a rate of speed so as not to endanger the property, life, or limb of any other person ... drivers shall exercise the highest degree of care.”

“Since January 1 of this year, Missouri has seen an increase in traffic crash fatalities compared to the same period of time last year,” said Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Please give your full attention to driving. Follow all traffic laws, and remember that seat belts can and do save lives. Please buckle up.”